Aureole Restaurant Review

: Sure enough, the wine here is the attraction. But how can you handle 60,000 bottles of the precious elixir? Building a tower --- 42 feet of glass and steel, storing 10,000 bottles --- was the solution of restaurant designer Adam Tihany who, upon the request of Charlie Palmer (of Aureole New York fame), created a restaurant for the century. The centerpiece of this modern-age, sleek-and-chic black, white and metallic gastronomic temple is this monument dedicated to the glory of wine. The main room, the more intimate Swan Court overlooking a fountain and a pond, and the three private rooms can seat 300 diners. A full house of hungry patrons represents quite an undertaking for executive chef Vincent Pouessel and his team. He succeeds in maintaining the refinements at the expected level for such a prestigious name, even for so many guests. This appears in the parallel seasonal menu of great American food, offering eight courses that may start with a duo of creamy Hudson Valley foie gras and shaved foie gras au torchon. Next is butternut squash risotto with cured duck prosciutto and pistachio froth, and spaghetti squash and bacon lardon with lightly smoked sturgeon, followed by a “cheek” duo --- olive oil-poached cod cheek and braised beef cheek. Take a breath before the pear and chèvre parfait and the butter-poached Seckel pear with ginger semifreddo and toasted almond sherbet. Those who aren't willing to commit to a long meal should fear not, as a more casual experience can be had here as well, with selections from a small plates menu. This festive menu, available at the bar and in the main dining room, includes sliders, mussels in a light saffron cream, and yellowfin tuna poke. Wines can be paired with individual dishes, but if you wish to make your own selection, don't expect to peruse the wine list, at least not in the traditional form. An electronic slate brought to your table will, at the touch of your fingers, converse with you even if you are not wine-savvy. Those who prefer fine craft beers are not left out, with a list that includes Trappistes Rochefort 8, Duvel, Lindemans Cuvée Rene, Goose Island Matilda Belgian Blonde Ale and Lagunitas IPA.